Last year I gave you a Pasta Fagioli recipe, but found an easier way to make it in a crock pot. It’s simple and inexpensive.
Pasta Fagioli (pronounced Pasta Fa-zool)
This is more like a stew. If you want it more like a soup, see note at the bottom.
Ingredients:
(3) tablespoons of olive oil
(3) cloves large garlic chopped
(1) medium onion chopped
(1) tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or (1) teaspoon dried
(1) teaspoon dried oregano
(1) 14-oz can diced tomatoes
(1) 16 oz. can of tomato sauce (I like Rao’s with basil)
8 oz. vegetable or chicken broth
(2) 8 oz. cans Cannellini Beans (drained and rinsed)
¾ lb. dried (uncooked) small pasta shells (I like the shells because the beans get nestled in them and they hold the sauce better)
1 cup grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese
½ cup dry red wine
Salt and Pepper
Crushed red pepper – optional (you can put it on later or add to the mix to cook)
Fresh chopped basil – for garnish
Directions:
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil – put it crock pot with the rest:
Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, wine and herbs, Add parmesan cheese and pasta and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. If it starts to get too thick add a little more broth
Garnish with basil, more grated cheese and crushed pepper. This will last in the frig for a week and in the freezer for a couple of months
Easy peasy
For soup:
Add 2 chopped carrots and 3 stalks of chopped celery, and 16 oz. of vegetable of chicken stock – follow same directions
Another easy recipe: (I think they call this a “hack” – quick solution?)
Chicken Soup
Ingredients:
½ roasted chicken from the grocery store – take the meat off the bone and set aside
(1) large onion – sliced
(2) cloves garlic – minced
(2) large carrots – cut in chunks
(3) stalks of celery – cut in 1 inch chunks
(3) tablespoons fresh copped parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried)
(1) tablespoon fresh chopped dill (or 2 teaspoons dried)
(4) cups chicken stock
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Add noodles, rice or barley – cook according to instructions or add to soup directly
Directions:
Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, celery until soft
Add chicken stock, herbs and shredded chicken
Simmer for 45 minutes